Rusted out foot well...how much?

Post Sun Mar 29, 2015 11:00 pm

Hi,

I was just wondering if any one knows how much a patch weld job ought to cost to patch over the hole just behind the front wheel. Or as it is not 'structural' whether glass fibre is good option.

I guess I'll need to lift the carpet as the hole is right below the accelerator pedal.

Are there some other classic places for rust to have its wicked way with an e30? I'm a bit concerned for the more structural parts as the rust seems to have either rotted inside out or got between the under seal and the metal. Is there a good test for integrity without poking loads of holes through the undercoat?

Thanks for any tips.

Post Sun Mar 29, 2015 11:08 pm

Don't 'patch over it' - do it properly cut it out to clean metal, and weld in a fabricated panel or buy a repair panel depending how big the repair area is

Post Sun Mar 29, 2015 11:28 pm

To weld it (which you should do, rather than fibregash!), you will obviously need to lift the carpet.

A screwdriver or similar tool is a useful rust detector - tap the metal with it and you should hear a nice metallic ring - if you get a dull thud, it may indicate rot. Alternatively, use a magnet.

I would estimate a repair to that area wouldn't cost much more than £100 at the most, depending on where you go, of course...

Post Mon Mar 30, 2015 10:04 am

We need pics to give an accurate estimate

Post Mon Mar 30, 2015 6:32 pm

That's before I've even cut it out so I know it's going to get nothing but bigger haha

Post Mon Mar 30, 2015 7:24 pm

That inner sill is toast as well. A screwdriver will make a mess of it, never mind a grinder with a wire wheel !

Post Mon Mar 30, 2015 8:14 pm

pacerpete wrote:That inner sill is toast as well. A screwdriver will make a mess of it, never mind a grinder with a wire wheel !

He says while stroking himself.

Post Mon Mar 30, 2015 8:30 pm

A fiver says that pedal mount needs to come out as well.

Check out the resto thread in my sig for an idea of what's involved.

Post Mon Mar 30, 2015 10:08 pm

Sorry guys this isn't my thread I was just posting to say how bad it can get if you don't check or sort it out

Yeah I know the whole area is toast, grrr I've been through your thread a few times and it's very motivating, only problem is my mig has packed in and I'm stuck for now

Post Tue Mar 31, 2015 9:40 am

Hi Guys,

Thanks for the information and the picture, I suspect that the rot is not far from that picture.

I think it will need to be done by someone as I don't have any facilities at the moment to do that sort of work. I hope to get a garage before too long.

Thanks again.

I have some hope now that it is recoverable.